william f pitsenbarger obituary

It is next to the Piqua Veterans Memorial. In addition to being designated Main Street through the city of Daytonwhere the Wright Brothers designed their airplanestate route 48 also runs along Miami Memorial Park north of Covington, Ohio, where all four are buried. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. The American forces, including Pitsenbarger, soon came under sniper fire and mortar attacks from the Viet Cong. Year should not be greater than current year. She was a homemaker. Young William had come home after his extensive training a grown man, confident that he could accomplish any task and fulfill any demands his job might require. How soon? A pararescueman, Pitsenbarger saved lives in an example of selfless heroism worthy of the Medal of Honor. William Pitsenbarger's Background A1C Pitsenbarger, an Ohio native, is one of three Medal of Honor Recipients from Piqua, Ohio. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Time and again, as was not uncommon among any of the dedicated PJs, Pits had made the ascent from the relative shelter of his hovering Huskie to the jungle floor to render immediate first aid to wounded and then strap them into the lowered Stokes Litter. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. Among other problems, he had also lost partial rudder control. In time, Pits became an Air Force legend not so much for what his citation said about his actions that day in April 1966, but for the details, it did not include! As Salem fought to save his Huskie, his departure left the valiant PJ stranded on the ground with Sergeant Navarro, Lieutenant Libs, and the few survivors of Charlie Company. When a wounded man had been properly strapped inside the litter, he could then be winched up into the Huskie where Pararescue medics like William Pitsenbarger waited to administer lifesaving first aid during the flight to a field hospital. At the same time, when things were not quiet, Pits was great to have around, especially if you were a downed airman alone in enemy-controlled jungle or a wounded soldier in the field. "Pits," as he was known to friends, had been killed in action five months earlier. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended the ceremony. She was born May 8, 1931, in Moyers, W.Va., a daughter of the late Benjamin Cameron and Dorothy Louella (Simmons) Pitsenbarger. With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground. He turned to his machine gunner and said, "That guy coming out of the helicopter from above, in an Air Force uniform, must be out of his mind to leave his not-so-safe helicopter for the inferno on the ground." Sporadic sniper fire picked at the men of Charlie, 2/16th throughout the day, but no one could have predicted how intense the enemy fire would become as morning gave way to afternoon. Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles. They had one child: Sarah F. Pitsenbarger. Sidney Daily News. Resend Activation Email. But what made the young pararescueman from Piqua, Ohio stand out was how he dealt with fear. He had enlisted in the Air Force and would soon be boarding a train for San Antonio to begin his training. As the battle raged on, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for the wounded, pull them out of the line of fire, and return fire whenever he could, during which time, he was wounded three times. "After a while," Nolen said, "heavy fire started coming in. First Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees. based on information from your browser. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Oops, we were unable to send the email. It was placed by The Valley of the Jolly Green Giants and the Ohio Historical Society. He grew up in Piqua, Ohio, a small town near Dayton. He was wounded twice. Upon reaching the site of the ambush, he was lowered through the trees to the ground where he attended to the wounded before having them lifted to the helicopter by cable. Then, as the Huskie lifted off, O'Berne remained on the ground to treat wounded and load them on the Army Chinook. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force. As the survivors hacked through the jungle vegetation, they did not realize they were only yards from their primary objectivethe command post of the Viet Cong BattalionOperation Abilenesought to find and destroy. The two Huskies then turned towards the field aid station 7 miles away near the village of Binh Ba. The ceremony will be held in the Museum's Modern Flight Hangar at 2:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Civilian authorities have also honored his name. The Huskie was the first chopper to land and O'Berne moved among the dead to find and load three wounded infantrymen. During his basic training in early 1963, he volunteered for Pararescue. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. When the young PJs feet touched the ground, he went into immediate action. Elle y voque notamment, comme rarement, sa vie prive et fait des confidences sur la naissance de ses deux enfants et ce qu'elle a chang william f pitsenbarger obituary; ww2 bomb map eastbourne; maryse burgot qui est son mari. The rescue effort took on new efficiency with an experienced man on the ground. As Pits' Huskie began the approach, a plan for extracting the wounded man without detonating other mines in the field had to be devised. The enemy fire reached out to tear flesh and the medic fell to the ground. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. His commander, Major Maurice Kessler, called him "One of a special breed. NAME: Jonathan B. Pittsenborger GENDER: Male MARRIAGE DATE: 21 Nov 1839 MARRIAGE PLACE: Darke, Ohio, USA SPOUSE: Mary Pittsenberger FILM NUMBER: 001030772 From Ancestry.com J. Pitsenbarger in the 1880 United States Federal Census On April 11, 1966, Pitsenbarger was killed aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault during the Vietnam War. It was Spring 1966, during a rescue mission that Pitsenbarger was offered the chance to escape on the last helicopter out of a combat zone heavily under fire, but he chose to stay behind to save and defend the lives of his fellow soldiers before making the ultimate sacrifice in the bloodiest battle of the war. - Box cutters Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Amid a flood of memories, an invocation by the Chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service, and remarks by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force the Honorable F. Whitten Peters stepped to the podium. In the years that followed the 1966 presentation of the Air Force Cross to Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger just five months after the death of their son, the name WilliamPitsPitsenbarger became synonymous with the proud traditions of sacrifice and service of the Air Force Pararescuemen. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. They tried to leave the area, but they were attacked by the large Viet Cong force. PIQUA Thursday evening was the homecoming celebration William H. Pitsenbarger never got after his sacrifices during the Vietnam War. Despite the continuing enemy fire, he climbed the trees to salvage the litter and make it ready for the choppers' return. As each of the nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered, Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get one more wounded soldier to safety. Ranging in age from 19-21, most had never witnessed such horror firsthand. (During the Korean War, four Air Force pilots were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor but all received the Army design for the award.). Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. PIQUA - On December 8, 2000 a very important ceremony was held at the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton. In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. Weapons, https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations. On December 8, 2000, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the airman's father, William F. Pitsenbarger, and his wife, Alice, accepted the Medal of Honor from Secretary of the Air Force Whit Peters. william schur regis grandson Home Uncategorized maryse burgot qui est son mari February 22, 2023 Off doctors accepting new patients in cambridge, ontario , There were mortars coming in, heavy machinegun fire. FREEAdmission & Parking, Sometimes, awards and decorations are presented posthumously. Training included the U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S Navy Dive School (SCUBA), survival school, and a rescue and survival medical course. Make sure that the file is a photo. To use this feature, use a newer browser. As the infantrymen fought to reclaim enough jungle landscape for the medevacs to land, the enemy attacked with mortars and machinegun fire. In addition several buildings have been named in his honor including William H. Pitsenbarger Dining Hall, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; William H. Pitsenbarger Professional Military Education Center, Beale Air Force Base, California; William H. Pitsenbarger Airman Leadership School, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; Pitsenbarger Hall, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas and Pitsenbarger Fitness Center, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. In one lifeless hand Pits still held his M-16 rifle. He wanted to enlist in the Army when he was junior high, but his parents did not allow him. https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1963 and went to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force awarded its second-highest award, the Air Force Cross, to nineteen enlisted airmen. He had at least 2 sons and 1 daughter with Viola Jane Bowyer. The firefight was at Cam My, in the Republic of Vietnam, about 35 miles east of Saigon. He was born March 26, 1973, in Sandusky. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. After his training was completed, he returned to Piqua on leave and then to his first duty assignment at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. Arrangements by Seals-Campbell Funeral Home, 815-795-5151, www.sealscampbell.com Published. When he found the bodies of American boys that could not be saved, he gathered weapons and ammunition to distribute among those who could still fight. William H. Pitsenbarger is killed in action. During most of the missions the rescues were conducted under fire from enemy forces. The subsequent review determined that the level of voluntary heroism displayed by the 21-year old PJ in the jungles of Vietnam was more in keeping with the levels of valor reflected by the Medal of Honor. At age 17 he wanted to try for an Army Special Forces position, but his father persuaded him to finish high school. These men were now cut off from Able and Bravo companies and were surrounded by 400 or more enemy soldiers. Standing to the side to witness the events that were about to unfold was Ohio Senator Frank Lausche. During the rescue operation, he cared for and prepared the casualties for evacuation, and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. Find a Grave, database and images ( https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 April 2020), memorial page for Irene E. Hart Pitsenbarger (17 Nov 1914-4 Dec 1991), Find a Grave Memorial no. Meanwhile, Alpha and Bravo Companies poised themselves for a rescue attempt at daylight. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan (right) and about 1,800 guests attended . Try again later. It was on those occasions I saw Airman Pitsenbarger moving around and pulling wounded men out of the line of fire and then bandaging their wounds. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Irene Pitsenbarger may have thought briefly about the many times her young son had given her reason for fright. In a ceremony held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 8, 2000, Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten "Whit" Peters presented the Medal of Honor to the parents, William F. and Alice Pitsenbarger, of Airman 1st Class William F. Pitsenbarger. Mildred Pitsenbarger Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Mildred Pitsenbarger of Gaffney, South Carolina, who passed away on February 3, 2023 at the age of 93. Dead and dying were everywhere and panic was pushing his young soldiers beyond reason. When Mr. and Mrs. Pitsenbarger accepted that award on behalf of their heroic son on September 22, 1966, William Pits Pitsenbarger became the first enlisted airman in history to receive the Air Force's second-highest award for military heroism, posthumously. He stared at them in awe and never cried. His decisions were deliberate, calculated, and carried out with the highest degree of professionalism. In the Spring of 1962, William Pitsenbarger graduated from high school. The historical marker is on Route 48, north of Covington. Pitsenbargers last, and probably most gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966. If you knew Lenie, you knew a man who loved the Lord and his family. He was chosen for pararescue duty and sent to several military schools in a variety of locations for further training: survival school, Army Infantry Jump School, Rescue and Survival Technicians Medical Course, Naval School of Underwater Swimmers and Air Rescue Service Transition Tree Jump Training. The Last Full Measure is about real-life Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger who tragically died at the age of 21 during a rescue mission in 1966 after saving countless lives during the war. (U.S. Air Force photo). Notice:Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Hidden by the dense jungle, the enemy was able to hide and still place effective sniper fire on the Americans. Under the guidance of the brave PJ, the infantrymen were able to quickly send two more stokes patients to safety. -. Haley, of Ukiah, Calif., was dirty and unkept after his unit had been in the jungles 30 miles east of Saigon for two weeks searching for the Viet Cong. But the choice to "go in" was always a voluntary call, made the PJs themselves. [1][3], He is buried in Miami Memorial Park Cemetery Covington, Ohio. The government of South Vietnam awarded him Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm. She was born on June 14, 1932, in Franklin, WV, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Ida Mae (Propst) Lambert. OperationAbilenebegan on April 10, 1966Easter Sunday. After unloading at Binh Ba, Pedro 73 diverted to refuel while Captain Bachman and Pedro 97 returned for the fifth pick-up of the day. The city of Piqua, Ohio, renamed a recreational park (which includes the municipal swimming pool) the "Pitsenbarger Sports Complex." Mildred was of the Baptist faith. Iowa, Death Records, 1880-June 1904 and 1921-1951 at Ancestry/requires payment; includes images of the death certificates from 1921-1951 and images of the death registers from 1880-June 1904. The firing was so intense that a fire team leader in my platoon curled up in a fetal position and sobbed uncontrollably. Ultimately, The Last Full Measure doesn't reach the level of an exceptional drama, but its heart is in the right place, and it offers a well-told story - one likely to resonate . Ambulatory casualties could be hoisted to the waiting choppers on "jungle penetrators". Clarence William Pitsenbarger. He and another pararescuer were asked to find two hunters lost in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For the next hour and a half, Pitsenbarger tended to the wounded soldiers, hacking splints out of snarled vines and building improvised stretchers out of saplings. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Pitsenbarger was given the Air Force Cross for his actions on June 30, 1966. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION. It was the only helicopter equipped with cables and winches that could be lowered into the jungle. In 2005, the State of Ohio designated State Route 48 as the "U.S.A.F. The father shed tears. On that day, the Medal of Honor was presented to William F. Pitsenbarger for the courageous military service of his deceased son, Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, United States Air Force. The selfless words, "That Others May Live," fueled every movement that Pitsenbarger made throughout the ferocious struggle and would enshrine his name among the pantheon of immortal American heroes. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. The man had lost his foot when he stepped on a mine and was trapped inside a maze of old and unstable explosive devices. From above, Airman Pitsenbarger watched them struggle with the apparatus. Lenie A Pitsenbarger Willoughby, Ohio March 26, 1973 - September 1, 2021 Obituary & Events Share a memory of Lenie A Pitsenbarger. On April 11, 1966, in thick jungle near Saigon, an infantry company on 134 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division (the "Big Red One") was . The audience included battle survivors, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a congressional representative and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters presented the award, which was accepted by William F. Pitsenbarger on his son's behalf. While there, it was the Air Force recruiter who captured the young man's attention. A marker honoring the men is along State Route 48 just north of Covington. Connect to 337 Pitsenbarger profiles on Geni, Source: https://familysearch.org/service/tree/tree-data/person/LRL6-P2N/all?locale=en, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, United States, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda Pittsenbarger, John W Pittsenbarger, Freda B Pittsenbarger, Frances W Pittsenbarger, Loren E Pittsenbarger, Between 1940 and 1942 - 504 Purcell Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, 1940 - 303 South Roosevelt Avenue, Piqua, Washington T, Miami, Ohio, USA, John W Pitsenbarger, Freda B Pitsenbarger, Apr 30 1918 - Shelby, Ohio, United States, Feb 8 2002 - Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, John Walter Pitsenbarger, Freda Blanche Pitsenbarger (born Westfall), William Hart Pitsenbarger Congressional Medal of Honor, Frances Winifred Mcmaster (born Pitsenbarger), Loren Elwood Pitsenbarger, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952884/_, Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17952807/loren-elwood-pitsenbarger, Shelby County, Ohio, USA, Shelby, Ohio, United States, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, USA, Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, United States, Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington, Miami County, Ohio, USA, Covington, Miami, Ohio, United States, U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. The Pentagon is a mighty big place, an Americaninstitutionfilled with legends, lore, and high-ranking military men and women. The worst was yet to come for Charlie Company. How bad was it on the ground? After six wounded men had been flown to an aid station, the two U.S. Air Force helicopters returned for their second load. On December 8, 2000, an impressive ceremony was held at Wright-Patterson AFB in Pits' home state of Ohio. OBeirne believes Pitsenbarger probably continued giving aid until he was hit the third or fourth time. Little did he know how expensive that price was about to become. William Hart Pitsenbarger (July 8, 1944 - April 11, 1966) was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew on almost 300 rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Mildred Pitsenbarger to pay them a last tribute. Pitsenbarger stayed on the ground to medically care for the remaining wounded. In Vietnam Airman 1st Class William H. "Bill" Pitsenbarger gave his life so that others might live. In addition to the Airman's Medal and the Vietnamese awards, their son had received the Purple Heart and six Air Medals with four more pending. One round fell short, detonating in the top of the jungle canopy and raining deadly shrapnel on Sergeant Robinson's platoon. There is a problem with your email/password. After his training was completed, he returned to Piqua on leave and then to his first duty assignment at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, on December 8, 2000, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor posthumously to: Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. With the three-seat penetrator, a PJ could send up three wounded, then ride back up to his Huskie with two more wounded on a second lift. His parents, however, convinced him to finish his studies; he graduated in the class of 1962. Sergeant Robinson ripped the burning uniform from his body and continued forward. (Note: Only the US Air Force HH43 Huskie helicopter could rescue wounded from the jungle. The power and rpm shot over the red lines and the helicopter lurched forward and upout of control. Learn more about merges. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. . If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Hundreds of men owed their lives to a young medic called Pitsand not only for his lifesaving first aid in the airborne trip from the jungle to a field hospital. Pitsenbarger, an airman 1st class at the time, originally was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1966. He was preceded in death by his wife Mable, October 8, 2005. During his short life, Thiago was surrounded by the love of his family. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum. Pitsenbarger Medal of Honor Ceremony. In the other, he still clutched his medical kit. This allowed the rescue team to recover 4-5 wounded men with each in and out trip of the helicopters. Coverage may vary by county. - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters. "The mother was brave. When the company was ordered to move a short distance, the intrepid Airman began cutting branches to improvise litters to transport the wounded. This action earned him the Airman's Medal and the Republic of Vietnam's Medal of Military Merit and Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm.[4]. Pararescue Memorial Parkway." for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Cam My, April 11, 1966: 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm, Republic of Vietnam Medal of Military Merit, Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, National Museum of the United States Air Force, List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War, "William H. Pitsenbarger: Bravest Among the Brave Vietnam War Veteran", "Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger", "Sebastian Stan and all-star cast elevate the heroism of 'The Last Full Measure', "Vietnam War Period Medal of Honor recipients", United States Army Center of Military History, Wright Patterson Air Force Base Skywrighter, "William H. Pitsenbarger: A Hero of Piqua and America", "Pitsenbarger's memorial page on The Virtual Wall", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_H._Pitsenbarger&oldid=1134674290, This page was last edited on 19 January 2023, at 23:17. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. The surrounded Americans fought for hours and sustained several casualties. Once the man was airborne the crew of Pedro 73 expected their pararescueman to ride the penetrator back up to his waiting chopper. It was nearing 7:30 in the evening as the enemy fire was beginning to taper off. He was killed. In 1945, in the era of the U.S. Army Air Forces, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress crewman, Henry Erwin, was awarded the medal for saving his crew and aircraft on a bombing run over Japan. We were completely surrounded.". The guest list included combat veterans, hundreds of pararescue airmen, a Congressional representative, and the Air Force Chief of Staff. One must imagine William Pitsenbarger must have felt fear himself. Airman Pitsenbarger arrived in Vietnam on August 8th and was assigned to Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base. It was erected by the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Historical Society. Mr. Pitsenbarger graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. said Haley, one of the few survivors. The roadway honors four local USAF Pararescuemen who died in battle. In his junior year of high school in his small town of 20,000, young William Pitsenbarger had tried to enlist in the Army's Special Forces to wear the coveted Green Beret. In fact, the letters and pictures he sent back seemed to indicate that Airman Pitsenbarger was actually having a good time at the Air Base a short distance from the South Vietnamese capital city of Saigon. Sometimes, awards and decorations are presented posthumously man had lost his foot he... Man had lost his foot when he was junior high, but his father persuaded to. At age 17 he wanted to try for an Army special forces position, but his father him... Was the Air Force Cross, to nineteen enlisted william f pitsenbarger obituary was surrounded the. Awarded its second-highest award, the United States Air Force recruiter who the... An Americaninstitutionfilled with legends, lore, and carried out with the apparatus the helicopter lurched forward and of! Lt. Kenneth Anderson, of Nashville, Tenn. said snipers kept firing from the trees was! A flower, click the leave a sympathy message to the family the. 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Bronze Palm his actions on June 30, 1966 he wanted to enlist in the Air Force Cross in.. Gallant mission, was on April 11, 1966 the Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan ( right and. Was so intense that a fire team leader in My platoon curled up in a fetal position sobbed! Contact [ emailprotected ] fire team leader in My platoon curled up in fetal. Fire on the Americans shot over the red lines and the helicopter lurched forward and upout of control and... Occurred while uploading your photo ( s ) was always a voluntary,! Said snipers kept firing from the Viet Cong, soon came under sniper fire mortar! But the choice to william f pitsenbarger obituary go in '' was always a voluntary call, made the PJs.! But the choice to `` go in '' was always a voluntary call, made the young &! Images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters you want to delete this?!

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